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We have long underestimated the person who has dementia. Each one's ability to reach out in familiar ways certainly diminishes yet he or she is always able to experience the deep benefits that come from being in vital relationship with others. Inside Alzheimer's tells how dozens of persons with dementia and their sharing of wisdom, humor and life's teachings led Ms. Pearce to the six basic principles of connection--how one person connects with another: Intend a connection, Free yourself of judgment, Love, Open to receive love, Silence and Thankfulness. Internalizing these principles has empowered hundreds of family, friends, and professionals to create moments of connection with persons, regardless of how advanced the dementia.

The Next Happy: Let Go of the Life You Planned and Find a New Way Forward
When the best option is to let go of the life you planned for yourself and find a new path, a world of possibilities can surprisingly open up.

Editorial Reviews

Review

One of the most devastating consequences of Alzheimer's diseases for patients and their caretakers is the inevitable loss of the ability to communicate and form connections. In her first book, Pearce--a medical social worker with more than 20 years of experience working in long-term healthcare and hospice settings--reminds readers that there is a person inside Alzheimer's and other dementias who needs to be heard, seen, valued, and appreciated. Writing for family members, friends, healthcare professionals, and those who want to form and maintain meaningful connections with dementia patients, Pearce teaches her six principles of connection: intend a connection, free yourself of judgment, love, be open to being loved, silence, and thankfulness. Each chapter includes stories and anecdotes about people with Alzheimer's and ends with a summary and exercises for "working it out." Including resources and filled with practical wisdom, this groundbreaking, transformational, and informative book is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.--Elizabeth M. Wavle, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY --Library Journal --06/15/07

"Nancy Pearce makes being with persons with dementia seem natural as she helps each one continue to participate in life as fully as possible...This is a must read for all who work or spend time with persons with dementia." --Virginia Bell, MSW, coauthor of The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care

About the Author

Nancy Pearce, MS, LISW, is a medical social worker with over 20 years of experience in working in long-term healthcare and hospice settings. She received an MS in Education in 1972 from Syracuse University and a Master's in Social Work from the University of CT in 1988. In her practice, she integrates her education research foundations with understanding from both her work experience and studies in spiritual and religious wisdom traditions. Ms. Pearce specializes in working with persons who have dementia and teaches families, friends and professionals, both nationally and internationally, how to communicate and connect effectively with persons who have dementia.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Ms. Pearch touched my soul with her book. I stumbled onto it via Amazon. Once it arrived I quickly read through it. I started practicing the IF LOST concepts right away & can honestly say I have had better connections IMMEDIATELY with my mother. I've since purchased extra copies of the book for family members & have recommended it to several coworkers who are also dealing with ailing parents.My mother was officially diagnosed 6 years ago - but we knew (she knew) something was going wrong much longer than that. She was 65 at the time. Since then I've read many books on this topic. Several have been helpful -but none have hit home as much as Inside Alzheimer's. Typically I have a hard time finishing books on this topic because the situation is so depressing. Right in the beginning of the book, Nancy recommends reading it at your own pace. She clearly knows the subject is a difficult one.

I highly recommend this book for ALL health-care personnel or family members of those with dementia. I will be handing out copies to all mom's caregivers, including her geriatric psychiatrist. I just gave a copy to my father & I know he'll have a much better understanding of how to reach mom once he finishes it.Thank you to Ms. Pearce for taking the time to share her vast experiences with those of us going through this one by one. The caring & compassion she has demonstrated in her life will surely take her straight to heaven. No doubt an angel sent to guide those of us who are struggling to make a positive difference for our loved one's with this horrible disease!

Written by medical social worker Nancy Pearce, Inside Alzheimer's: How to Hear and Honor Connections With A Person Who Has Dementia is an uplifting guide for anyone whose friends or loved ones suffer from various stages of dementia. Relationship and connection are still possible, and highly beneficial, with patients who are afflicted with dementia; Inside Alzheimer's covers the six basic principles of forming a dynamic: freeing oneself from judgment, love, openness to receive love, silence, and thankfulness. "I would much rather err on the side of assuming that the person with dementia can participate in his decisions about end-of-life care, rather than assuming he can't. It happens more than one would expect that during an open discussion, the person with dementia pops into a particular moment of clarity and clearly provides input." Highly recommended as guideline, aid, comfort, and inspiration.

This book provides a very clear, comforting and confidence inspiring way for family and friends to spend time with a person with Alzheimer's. I really appreciated how the author was able to explain the meaning of the world to someone who has Alzheimer's so that I could spend all of my time responding from that context. This allows me to avoid responses that while normal and seemingly logical to me would make no sense to the person with Alzheimer's. The explanations and coaching language are very effective. It was easy for me to grasp and imagine the world of the person with Alzheimer's. By almost being able to walk in their "mocassins" I am able to focus entirely on learning how to get better at it - and therefore be a better friend and companion. Inside Alzheimer's: How to Hear and Honor Connections with a Person who has Dementia

One of the most trying aspects for anyone caring for a person with Alzheimer's and dementia involves the breakdown of communication. In her book, Inside Alzheimer's: How to Hear and Honor Connections with a Person who has Dementia, Nancy Pearce shows the way to communicate with people affected by dementia in any of its forms. Ms. Pearce is a social worker with more than 20 years of experience with geriatric patients and people with dementia. Those years have obviously given her tools to connect with people who many have given up on; but more obviously, she brings to her profession an intuitive understanding of the process. The importance of her intuition comes through clearly as she talks to us about the people she has touched and who have touched her.

As dementia including Alzheimer's progresses it causes one to lose access to memories, and as memories fade the person, more and more, exists in the present. It is in the present that you will successfully relate. Once you learn to be with this person in his or her sphere, which is the here and now, much of the frustration that is so common in caregivers of people with dementia will melt away. Inside Alzheimer's will help you to do just that. Whether you are a professional visiting caregiver, on staff at a facility caring for people with dementia, or are caring for a loved one at home, Inside Alzheimer's is a must read. (Even if you never have contact with a person with dementia, you will benefit from Nancy Pearce's insights.)

This is a great book. I wish I had found this sooner, as my mom has had Alzheimers for 8 years. She has been losing her ability to speak coherently and this book has been a great guide to help me through this most difficult time.

My mother was recently "offcially" diagnosed with Alzheimer's; however, we've know quiet awhile something was going on. This book has been a tremendous help in understanding this disease and how to relate to her better. No, it is not the same or will it ever be, but we can move forward into a new relationship ... and this book has given me hope that it is possible. Very easy read! I love the stories.